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The Canadian Red Ensign Flag

English Ensign flag, red backdrop with Union Jack in top left corner and Canadian Coat of Arms shield on middle right

Photo from the collection of the Beiseker Station Museum

The Red Ensign was Canada’s informal flag until 1965. It was used to represent Canada on sea, on land, and on all public buildings. It depicts the Union Jack, beside the shield of the Canadian Coat of Arms. The shield is divided into four parts that represent the founding nations of Canada: England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Kingdom of France. In 1965, the Maple Leaf flag replaced the Ensign as Canada’s formal flag.